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Pink Cocaine

‘Pink cocaine‘, also known as a drug called ‘tusi/tuci/tucibi’, is in fact pink, but does not always contain cocaine. 

Pink cocaine normally contains mixture of drugs and varies in contents. Because it can contain such a mix of drugs, it’s effects can be really unpredictable.

Researchers have found that most samples of ‘pink cocaine‘ include a mix of ketamine along with one or more of the following: 

  • MDMA (also called ecstasy or molly)
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cocaine
  • Opioids 
  • New psychoactive substances (NPS)

 

‘Pink cocaine‘ may also include: 

  • Caffeine
  • Benzodiazepines or “benzos”
  • Bath salts (the stimulant kind, not the ones you sprinkle in baths)
  • Mescaline, LSD, or other hallucinogens

 

The variability in its composition makes each batch potentially dangerous, with the possibility of severe health effects overdose, and death.

If you suspect a pink cocaine related overdose, the safest thing to do is to get the person immediate medical attention.

If the person is not breathing, and it is available, you can administer naloxone in case there is an opioid involved.

For more information on signs of an overdose click here:

Signs of an overdose

For more information on naloxone click here:

Naloxone

Harm Reduction Advice: 

  • Don’t try new substances, increase or reduce the quantity of drugs or alcohol being regularly taken without support from your GP or Drug and Alcohol treatment Service.  If trying any new substances, try a very small amount at first, so you know how it might affect you.
  • Don’t drugs alone – most suspected fatal overdoses have involved someone taking drugs alone. Taking drugs alone increases the chance of fatally overdosing, because there is no one to call for help in an emergency.
  • Get a Naloxone kit. Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of a heroin or other opioid overdose and allows time for someone to seek emergency help.  Friends and family can also get a Naloxone kit
  • Don’t take a combination of drugs, drugs that haven’t been prescribed and or drugs that may have been bought over the internet.  This includes alcohol and prescribed medication.  Mixing drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose, particularly if you don’t know exactly what they are or what effect they will have. 
  • Dial 999 immediately if you believe that someone is having an overdose or if you feel unwell after taking any drugs. When someone has overdosed, they can look and sound like they are simply asleep; snoring can be an indication the person is having breathing difficulties. Always check when you hear snoring that the person is actually asleep.